Nathalie Pignard-Cheynel

Nathalie Pignard-Cheynel is a Full Professor of Journalism and Digital Communication at the University of Neuchâtel since 2020, where she leads cutting-edge research on digital transformations in journalism. Previously, she held academic positions at the University of Neuchâtel (Assistant Professor, 2016-2020), University of Lorraine (2013-2016), and Grenoble 3 University (2005-2013), where she earned her doctorate in Information and Communication Sciences (2004).

• Doctorate in Information and Communication Sciences, University of Grenoble 3 (2004)
• Full Professor of Journalism and Digital Communication, University of Neuchâtel (2020-present)
• Assistant Professor in Digital Journalism, University of Neuchâtel (2016-2020)
• Lecturer in Information and Communication Sciences, Grenoble 3 University (2005-2013)

Her research focuses on:

• Mutations in journalistic practices during digital transformations
• Social media usage by journalists, media, and audiences
• Participatory journalism and media-audience relationships
• Journalism and data practices
• Disinformation content dissemination and reception
• Platformization of information and algorithmic roles
• Digital formats analysis in journalism

She has led multiple funded research projects including:

• PANDA (2023-2026, CHF 499,986) on pandemic data communication
• #sad2 (2021-2022, CHF 138,460) on disinformation architectures
• LINC (2018-2021, CHF 184,586) on local journalism innovation
• International collaborations on pandemic communication and digital media

Her teaching includes:

• Digital technology courses for economics students
• NewsLab projects for journalism master's students
• Advanced seminars on digital media and communication
• Innovative journalistic format production

She serves in leadership roles for:

• President of the Scientific Council, Initiative for Media Innovation (2018-2022)
• Board Member, Hirondelle Foundation (2021-present)
• Editorial Board Member, Cahiers du journalisme (2020-present)
• Qualis Commission, University of Neuchâtel (2019-present)